Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty is an Alabama death row prisoner founded and run organization, established in 1989.

Our mission is to work together with friends and other supporters to educate the public and to bring about the abolition of the death penalty in Alabama.

As Governor, you are an extremely valuable component of the justice system. You contribute compassion and grace to a system that is often unable to consider both. You have a tremendous responsibility of deciding whether to modify sentences when they do not serve the public interest or meet evolving standards of decency, or whenever the exercise of merciful intervention seems appropriate and just. I come to you now pleading for the life of Derrick O’Neal Mason, who is scheduled to be executed on September the 22nd.

Reported to the Board on the many letters written on Derrick's behalf. I asked for Derrick's input for the radio interview shceduled on WE UP Radio with David Person for this afternoon. Derrick asked me to let the listeners know just how much he appreciates their support. He expressed the hope that the message to slow down and understand that all life is precious could somehow reach young men. We had a celebration of life event and sang Happy Birthday to Anthony Boyd. See you next week! Esther

The hard copy of the latest edition of our newsletter Wings of Hope was mailed today. It is also up on our website. We are grateful to report that the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP is supporting the Montgomery Rescue and Faith Crusades fund raiser. Angela Davis and Bryan Stevenson are the guest speakers. We have a special spot in our hears for this organization of which the Browder Ministers are a part. The Browder Ministries visits Holman death row once a month and are very much appreciated by the men. We also sang Happy Birthday to Carey Grayson. Happy Birthday, Boo!

l stole the title from the Economist because it triggers an instant reaction of shock and disbelief. How can little Alabama be worse that the mighty state of Texas? Mlghty at least when lt comes to the death penalty?

Well, we are worse than Texas when it comes to number of death sentences, and we are not speaking per capita. This is not new, so why has our state suddenly made headlines with articles proliferating and garnering attention nationally and state-wide?

The Board approved signing on in support of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act which is moving to the Senate. Pictures and Bios of the Board are up on our website www.phadp.org. The newsletter is at the printers and we are encouraged by the support for Derrick Mason.See you next week! Esther

We discussed the Talking Points for Derrick and were shocked that the AL Supreme Court set a date before the U.S. Supreme Court heard and ruled on the Cory Maples case, which is very similar to Derrick's. We also made plans for a celebration of life party, thanks to a kind friend in Germany. Derrick is doing well!See you next week! Esther

Execution Alert

Alabama has set September 22nd 2011 as the execution date for Derrick O’Neal Mason.

Derrick O’Neal Mason September 22

We were shocked to learn this morning that Derrick, who is a member of the phadp Executive Board, was given an execution date. I will be discussing Derrick's Talking Points with the Board at the meeting tomorrow and will then send them out, asking for your help.

Discussed the potential effect the hearing by the U.S. Supreme Court of the Cory Maples case could have by highlighting Alabama's failure to provide counsel or any legal assistance for indigent death-sentenced inmates in postconviction proceedings. "As a result, those who are fortunate enough to have attorneys must rely on pro bono counsel, most of whom practice far from Alabama," states a brief filed on Cory Maples behalf. Oral arguments are set for October 4th.

Discussed the pictures and bios of the Board members received today. We have a Board and a Sub-Board and, without being the least bit biased, I can tell you they are a bunch of good looking, dedicated guys! We will have their pictures and bios up on our web site in the very near future. All are asking their friends and pen pals to join us on our facebook page. As always, the Board was brought up to date on death penalty developments around the nation. Next week we will have 3 birthdays to celebrate. See you then! Esther